The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, chaired the sixth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) held here today. The Island Development Agency reviewed the progress made towards the programme “Holistic development of islands”. For the first time in the country, under the guidance of IDA, an initiative of sustainable development in the identified Islands within scientifically-assessed carrying capacity has been taken-up. Development Plans with focus on creation of jobs for the islanders through tourism promotion as well as export of seafood and coconut-based products made in the Islands have been prepared and are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep. In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 5 islands in Lakshadweep have been covered.

Model tourism projects both Land-based and Water Villas were planned and bids have been invited for private sector participation.As a unique initiative, to spur investment, it was decided to obtain clearances for implementation of the planned projects up-front. All necessary clearances would be in place before bids finalization. Environment and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances have already been obtained for four exemplary tourism projects of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

For strengthening infrastructure support, projects for improving air, sea and digital connectivity are also being implemented. Port Blair and another 7 islands in Andaman & Nicobar would get digitally connected through submarine optical fibre cable by June, 2020. Better communication services would facilitate setting up of Information Technology based and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the islands with incentives through Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Industrial Development Scheme (LANIDS), 2018 notified on 1st January, 2019. The proposed airports in Great Nicobar Island of Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep would catalyze the development process in the region.

In the meeting, a detailed presentation was made by CEO, NITI Aayog highlighting current status of the planned projects being implemented for islanders’ benefits. The status of implementation of decisions taken in the last meeting was also highlighted in the presentation.

Shri Shah expressed satisfaction at the progress made and called upon all concerned to expedite implementation of the on-going projects for islanders’ benefits. He further advised to formulate separate policyfor maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the islands. In addition, he advised to implement suitable strategies for sustainable utilization of fisheries resources available in Exclusive Economic Zone around the islands. Adequate technology-based facilities need to be provided to enhance fish collection, storage, processing and export of value-added products which would provide more jobs and generate additional income for the islands.

The meeting was attended by Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi (retd); Administrator of Lakshadweep ShriDineshwar Sharma,Shri Rajiv GaubaCabinet Secretary, Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, Secretaries and senior officials from the Ministries of Home, Commerce, Tribal Affairs, Environment and Forest, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Telecommunications, Shipping, Water Resources, Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy were also present.

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The Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Liaison Office, Bathinda signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 08 different reputed institutes of the region in the states of Punjab and Haryana in the presence of Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Shri Ashok Kumar. Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, IIFPT signed and exchanged the MoU’s with the VC’s and Director’s of these Universities, Colleges and Institutes.

The Universities, Colleges and Institutes are Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana; Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda; Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engg. & Technology (CIPHET), Ludhiana; National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal; Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal; Sant Longowal Institute of Engg. & Tech. (SLIET), Sangrur; National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali and Guru Nanak College, Budhlada.

On this occasion Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that it is the need of the hour to adopt scientific technology to compete at global level. She urged farmers and entrepreneurs to take benefits from the Gram Samridhi Yojana under which Ministry of Food Processing Industries has got Rs 3000 crores for upgradation of technology.

She said that everyone should work in collaboration with each other to increase the income of small farmers and such kind of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will open new opportunities for the benefit of farmers as there is great potential in the Food Processing Industries. She urged the farmers to diversify their crops to enhance their income.

These Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) are intended to facilitate a collaborative programme of research, skill development, consultancy, institutional development, information dissemination and student’s in-plant training. The linkage hereby formed will further strengthen the mutual bond and relationship between the partners.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal also honoured the successful entrepreneurs who established the business with the technical support of IIFPT-Liaison Office, Bathinda.

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Shri Ashok Kumar appealed the entrepreneurs to take benefit of the Research and Development initiatives and schemes of the Central Government.

Director, IIFPT, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said that the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) is a pioneer academic, research and development institution under the Ministry. He said that the ongoing research in different fields will certainly benefit the country. He also disclosed that for setting up of a food testing laboratory in Bathinda the process is under way.

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The Government of India has announced the Sale (re-issue) of (i) ‘6.17 per cent  Government Stock, 2021’  for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) ‘7.27 per cent  Government Stock, 2026’  for a notified amount of  Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iii) ‘6.45 per cent  Government Stock, 2029’  for a notified amount of Rs 7,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iv)‘7.62 per cent  Government Stock, 2039’  for a notified amount of  Rs 1,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, and (v) ‘7.63 per cent  Government Stock, 2059’  for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs 16,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to
Rs 1,000 crore each against anyone or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 17, 2020 (Friday).

Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.

Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on January 17, 2020. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and12.30 p.m.

The result of the auctions will be announced on January 17, 2020 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on January 20, 2020 (Monday).

The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.

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One of the Key Result Area for Indian Navy has been fuel quality standards revision to keep pace with induction of new technology equipment and meet contemporary emission standards. With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity. Hence, continuous improvement in technical specification for diesels is the primary focus area.

Leveraging technology and improved refining techniques available with the country’s petroleum industry, the Indian Navy in collaboration with M/s IOCL carried out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations (ISO, MARPOL, NATO etc). As an outcome, a revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters including critical parameters cetane number, flash point, sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP). The new specification will not only ensure a better quality fuel but also result in a reduced carbon footprint.

M/s IOCL, post upgradation of the refinery units, initiated limited supply of the product to Indian Navy platforms following which rigorous machinery performance checks and acceptance trials were carried out. Distinct improvements in fuel quality were observed. Given the positive results, the new fuel was therefore decided for pan Navy implementation. On 13 January 2020, the launch of the new fuel (High Flash High Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was undertaken.

With this, the country will be able to ensure interoperability amongst foreign navies during fleet exercises and provide fuel of quality better than that mandated to all foreign navies under bilateral/ multi-national logistics support pacts including LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement).

Successful introduction of the new fuel is a landmark occasion highlighting the enormous potential which exists within the country to produce world class products. This effort would also benefit other M/s IOCL consumers in the country like Indian Coast Guard and other merchant marine in the coming years. The achievement would also mark a new high with quality fuel available to all foreign Navy ships at Indian ports during exercises with the Indian Navy.

This revolutionary initiative would go a long way in enhancing equipment reliability, performance, reduced carbon footprint, emissions and more importantly would be key enabler in the Navy’s ‘Mission Based Deployment’ on a global scale.

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Since 2017, Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed each year on 14th January as a mark of respect and recognition of the services rendered by Filed Marshal KM Cariappa OBE – the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces who retired on 14 Jan 53. Commemoration of Armed Forces Veterans Day acknowledges and honours the selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans in the service of the nation.

This year, the 4th  Armed Forces Veterans Day at Delhi will commence with a homage ceremony at the National War Memorial, where wreaths will be laid by CISC, serving three star officers as well as veteran officers and JCOs from all three services.

Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Chief Guest at the Veterans Day function which will be held at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt later in the forenoon. The Chiefs of Army and Air Force will be present. Approximately 2000 veterans are expected to attend.

Armed Forces Veterans day is also being celebrated at seven other Command Heaquarters of Army, Navy and IAF. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri will preside over the event at Jaipur and Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri at Mumbai.

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Since 2017, Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed each year on 14th January as a mark of respect and recognition of the services rendered by Filed Marshal KM Cariappa OBE – the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces who retired on 14 Jan 53. Commemoration of Armed Forces Veterans Day acknowledges and honours the selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans in the service of the nation.

This year, the 4th  Armed Forces Veterans Day at Delhi will commence with a homage ceremony at the National War Memorial, where wreaths will be laid by CISC, serving three star officers as well as veteran officers and JCOs from all three services.

Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Chief Guest at the Veterans Day function which will be held at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt later in the forenoon. The Chiefs of Army and Air Force will be present. Approximately 2000 veterans are expected to attend.

Armed Forces Veterans day is also being celebrated at seven other Command Heaquarters of Army, Navy and IAF. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri will preside over the event at Jaipur and Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri at Mumbai.

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In order to facilitate the identification of civil drones and drone operators, a one-time opportunity for voluntary disclosure of such drones and drone operators is now being provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). The persons in possession of drones are required to submit the information to the government, starting from 14^th January 2020 by visiting the Digital Sky portal at https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in. Drones and Drones operators have to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and other operational requirements as per the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which regulates the use of drones in the Indian Airspace.

It was brought to the notice of the Government of India that such drones and drone operators are not complying with the CAR mentioned abovThe conditions of No Permission-No Takeoff (NPNT) as envisaged in the aforesaid CAR are not mandatory for this purpose whereas if drones are operated without due permission, the aforesaid process of CAR is violated. The deadline to submit the required information to the Government is 31^st January 2020.

On successful submission of voluntary disclosure of possessing drone, a Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) and an Ownership Acknowledgement Number (OAN) will be issued online which will assist in validation of operations of drones in India. However, the DAN or OAN does not confer any right to operate a drone(s) in India, if it does not fulfill the provisions given in the CAR. Further, ownership of drone(s) in India without a valid DAN or OAN shall invite penal action as per applicable laws.

Any clarification or additional information in this regard may be sought from Digital Sky Help desk at support-digisky@gov.in.

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RJ/PS

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Lohri.

“Have a wonderful Lohri. May this special festival bring joy and good health in everyone’s lives.

देशवासियों को लोहड़ी की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। उमंग और उल्लास का यह पर्व आप सबके जीवन में सुख और समृद्धि लेकर आए”, the Prime Minister said.

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin had a telephone conversation today.

Recalling that the Russian Federation had celebrated Christmas recently as per the tradition in Russia, the Prime Minister conveyed season’s greetings to President Putin and to the friendly people of Russia. President Putin warmly reciprocated the greetings and wished Prime Minister Modi and the people of India prosperity, progress, peace and happiness.

The two leaders expressed happiness at the significant landmarks the Special Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries had covered in the recent past, particularly in the year 2019.  They agreed to continue consulting closely and working assiduously to further strengthen India-Russia ties in all spheres the year 2020.

The Prime Minister stressed that the year 2020 would be of special significance for Russia, and recalled with gratitude the invitation of President Putin to the Prime Minister to participate in the 75th Victory Day Celebration in Moscow in May this year.  The Prime Minister stated that he looked forward also to participating in the Summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries in Russia this year, and welcoming President Putin in India for the 21st bilateral Annual Summit.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues and underlined the great similarity and convergence in the approaches of India and Russia for ensuring regional and global security, peace and stability.

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VRRK/VJ/BM

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust today.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 150^th Anniversary Celebrations of Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar  is also seen.

Prime Minister unveiled a plaque at the site of original Port Jetties to commemorate 150 years of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT).

Shri Modi termed that it is a privilege to be a part of the 150^th anniversary celebrations of the KoPT a historic symbol of the country’s water power.

“This port has stood witness to many a historical moment in the country like India getting independence from foreign rule. From Satyagraha to Swachhagraha, this port has seen the country changing. This port has not only seen consignors, but also the carriers of knowledge who have left a mark on the country and the world. In a way, this port of Kolkata symbolizes India’s aspiration for industrial, spiritual and self-reliance”, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister also launched the Port Anthem during the event.

PM stated that the long coast line of India from Gujarat’s Lothal Port to Kolkata Port was not only engaged in trade and business but also in spread of civilization and culture across the world.

“Our government believes that our coasts are gateways to development. This is the reason the government started Sagarmala project for modernizing infrastructure and improving connectivity of the Ports. Thirty six hundred projects worth more than Rs 6 lakh crore have been identified under this scheme. Out of these, more than 200 projects worth more than Rs 3 lakh crore are underway and about one hundred twenty five have been completed. Kolkata Port is connected to the industrial centers of eastern India due to the construction of river waterways. And trade has become easier with countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar”, PM added.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing the commemorative stamp marking celebrations of 150 years of Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata,West Bengal. The Governor of West Bengal , Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and the Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) and Chemical & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya are also seen.

Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust

PM also announced Kolkata Port Trust to be named after Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. “Dr. Mukherjee, the son of Bengal, laid the foundation for industrialization in the country and has been very instrumental in the development of projects such as Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, Hindustan Aircraft Factory, Sindri Fertilizer Factory and Damodar Valley Corporation. I also remember Babasaheb Ambedkar. Dr. Mukherjee and Baba Saheb gave a new vision to post-independence India”, PM said.

150 साल के इस सफर दौरान पोर्ट ने बंगाल राज्य और देश के अर्थतंत्र को मजबूती दी है। देश की प्रथम आधुनिक उद्योग साहसिकता की नीव इस पोर्ट से ही रखी गई थी। कोलकाता पोर्ट ने लाखों लोगों को प्रत्यक्ष एवं अप्रत्यक्ष रोजगार दिए है: @mansukhmandviya #150YearsOfKolkataPort pic.twitter.com/MO0qolUr1g

— Ministry of Shipping (@shipmin_india) January 12, 2020

Shri Mandaviya said that in last 15 years, for the first time, this year Kolkata Port has made profit. He said, under the guidance of Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi and his visionary Sagarmala Project, more than Rs1200 crores has been spent on Infrastructure development, better rail connectivity and Modernization of Kolkata Port in the last five years.

Welfare of the Pensioners of KoPT

Shri Narendra Modi also handed over a Cheque of Rs 501 Crore towards final instalment to meet the deficit of pension fund of retired and existing employees of the Kolkata Port Trust.

Prime Minister also felicitated two oldest pensioners of the Kolkata Port Trust, Shri Nagina Bhagat and Shri Naresh Chandra Chakraborty (105 and 100 years respectively).

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi handing over a cheque of Rs501 crore towards final instalment to meet the deficit of Pension funds of retired and existing employees of Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar is also see.

Prime Minister inaugurated Kaushal Vikas Kendra and Pritilata Chhatra Avas for 200 Tribal girl students of Sunderbans.

PM said that every effort is being made by the Central Government for the development of West Bengal, particularly for the development of the poor, underprivileged and the exploited. He said that as soon as the West Bengal state government approves of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, people of West Bengal will also start getting benefits from these schemes.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the upgraded Ship Repair Facility of Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock.

PM inaugurated the Full Rake Handling Facility and dedicated the upgraded Railway Infrastructure of Kolkata Dock System of KoPT for smooth cargo movement and improving turnaround time.

PM also launched the Mechanisation of Berth No.3 at Haldia Dock Complex of KoPT and a proposed riverfront development scheme.

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The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organised the ODF Sustainability workshop here today, with a special session by Shri Aamir Khan (Actor and Founder, Paani Foundation). As part of the workshop, the Swachhata Darpan Awards were presented by Shri Khan to the best performing districts on key swachhata parameters. The awardees include East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), Bemtara (Chhattisgarh), Diu (Daman and Diu), Panipat (Haryana), Vadodara (Gujarat), Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Moga (Punjab), East Sikkim (Sikkim) and Pedappali (Telangana). Four districts – Dibrugarh (Assam), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Puri (Odisha) – were also awarded for innovations and initiatives for Plastic Waste Management.

Shri Aamir Khan then interacted with the gathering of Collectors, DDCs, CDOs and other officials from selected states. Shri Khan lauded the work done at the grassroots by the officials and shared his experience with initiatives made by Paani Foundation in the area of water conservation. The gathered officials shared best practices from their districts for promoting ODF Sustainability goals and explore areas for future initiatives with the celebrated actor.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary DDWS, Shri Parameswaran Iyer, congratulated state representatives for their commendable work and leadership in improving sanitation access in rural areas in past five years leading to ODF declaration of India on 2^nd October 2019 under Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G). He emphasized the need to keep the momentum going and ensure that any gaps which may have been left on the ground must be identified and addressed. He said that the SBM-G must ensure that no one is left behind and the objectives of the programme are now mobbing forward with overall cleanliness in villages with solid and liquid waste management (SLWM).

The workshop included presentations by two District Collectors on key themes for ODF Sustainability: Information, Education and Communication (IEC); and Community Toilets.

District Collector, Peddapalli, presented on the role of IEC towards promoting ODF Plus and Sustainability. The presentation highlighted important IEC initiatives in the district like Mana Swachhata, Mana Gouravam under which screening of popular SBM-G films along with cultural events is done across Gram Panchayats in Peddapalli. District Collector, Muzaffarpur, presented innovative initiatives taken by the district administration for the construction of Community Toilets to address any households which may be left behind in the access to household toilet, and to ensure universal sanitation access in the district.

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The developmental LCA (N) MK1 achieved an important milestone on 11 Jan 20 with the successful Arrested Landing on board the naval aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The aircraft was piloted by Commodore JA Maolankar who also undertook the maiden Ski Jump Take-Off from the carrier today – 12 Jan 20.

A Technology Demonstrator, LCA (Navy) has earlier been successfully tested during extensive trials at the Shore Base Test Facility at the Naval Air Station at Goa.

With the completion of this feat, the indigenously developed niche technologies specific to deck based fighter operations have been proven which will now pave the way to develop and manufacture the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter for the Indian Navy, which is expected to proudly fly from the aircraft carriers by the year 2026.

This landmark event demonstrates the professional commitment and synergy between various agencies including ADA, HAL, CEMILAC and Indian Navy in harnessing the potential of our scientists, engineers and naval flight testing community towards meeting the expectations of the nation.

VM/ MS